Chyle

A fluid consisting of a mixture of lymphatic fluid (lymph) and chylomicrons that has a milky appearance. Chylomicrons are small fat globules composed of protein and lipid (fat) which are combined in the lining of the intestine. Chylomicrons are found in the blood and in lymphatic fluid where they serve to transport fat from its port of entry in the intestine to the liver and to adipose (fat) tissue.

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A turbid white or pale yellow fluid taken up by the lacteals from the intestine during digestion and carried by the lymphatic system via the thoracic duct into the circulation. The milky appearance is due to chylomicrons in the lymph. [G. chylos, juice]

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chyle 'kī(ə)l n lymph that is milky from emulsified fats, characteristically present in the lacteals, and most apparent during intestinal absorption of fats

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n.

an alkaline milky liquid found within the lacteal after a period of absorption. It consists of lymph with a suspension of minute droplets of digested fats, which have been absorbed from the small intestine. It is transported in the lymphatic system to the thoracic duct. See also ascites.

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(kīl) [G. chylos juice] 1. the milky fluid taken up by the lacteals from the food in the intestine during digestion, consisting of lymph and droplets of triglyceride fat (chylomicrons) in a stable emulsion. It passes into the veins by the thoracic duct, becoming mixed with the blood. 2. turbid, milky fluid resembling that produced during digestion. chylous adj